Lythrum salicaria
 
Purple Loosestrife

Whole Plant

Regina
07-Aug-2004

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Lythraceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora leading to this family. 
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herbs; NOT [shrubs or trees]

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terrestrial plants; NOT [mud plants], NOT [plants aquatic, leaves submerged or floating]

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plants not with colored milky juice

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plants with more than one normal leaf

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leaves opposite, whorled, or basal; NOT [some or all leaves alternate]

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plants without large petal-like bracts; NOT [plants with an involucre of 4 petal-like bracts]

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flowers with two floral rings

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flowers with each petal distinct from the others

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petals 4 or 6; NOT [petals 5]

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stamens 12; NOT [stamens 10]

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styles single; NOT [styles 2 or more]

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ovary superior; NOT [ovary inferior]